By Burnett Munthali
Ukrainian political commentator Peter Zalmayev has said that the Russia-Ukraine war is far from over and offers no quick or easy solution.
Zalmayev made the remarks during an exclusive interview with MIJ Online, as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to claim thousands of lives and devastate infrastructure since its beginning in 2014.
He lamented the repeated failed attempts by global powers to bring the war to an end, despite the immense human suffering and long-term consequences.
Zalmayev stressed that the war has not only devastated Ukraine but also inflicted global economic repercussions that are being felt particularly hard by developing nations, including Malawi.
He attributed much of the ongoing conflict to what he described as the “conservative” mindset of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who he says is bent on resurrecting the Soviet Union at the cost of Ukrainian independence and sovereignty.
According to Zalmayev, Putin’s geopolitical ambitions are fueling the protracted war, making a peaceful resolution increasingly elusive.
He warned that if Ukraine were to lose the war, the humanitarian consequences would be staggering, with many Ukrainians forced to flee to neighbouring countries.
“Millions of Ukrainians remain outside of Ukraine,” he said. “So if Ukraine is allowed to fall into this war, there will be more Ukrainians flocking to borders.”
Zalmayev called on Ukraine’s allies, particularly in the West, to intensify their support to help Kyiv withstand Moscow’s growing pressure.
He emphasized the importance of sustained military and diplomatic backing to ensure that Ukraine maintains its right to self-determination.
Zalmayev further outlined Russia’s key demands, which include Ukraine maintaining a neutral status, abandoning any plans to join NATO or similar military alliances.
Other demands from Russia include a ban on the redeployment of Ukrainian troops and an official cessation of Western military aid and intelligence cooperation with Ukraine.
He argued that succumbing to these demands would compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, potentially emboldening Russia and threatening regional stability.
Zalmayev’s insights come at a time when the international community remains deeply divided on how best to resolve the ongoing war.
His message is clear: without firm and continued international support, Ukraine’s future — and the future of Europe’s security — hang in the balance.
